BENTON – [VIDEO FOLLOWS REPORT] Judge/Executive Kevin Neal announced a Special Called Fiscal Court meeting on November 9th at 4:30 pm with the Calvert City Council and Riverport Authority Board to discuss access to Shar-Cal Road. The meeting will take place at Calvert City’s City Hall.
OLD BUSINESS
County Vehicle Bids
Bids received from Parkway Chrysler and Enterprise Fleet Management at the last Fiscal Court meeting were reviewed and voted upon at Tuesday’s meeting. Courtney Ashley with Parkway Chrysler spoke to the court about the specifics of their bid, explaining the difference between an open-end and closed-end lease. The court is being offered a closed-end lease as being a better option for the county when considering what the budget will allow for.
After considering lease options, mileage and packages, the court approved the purchase of vehicles from Parkway Chrysler which will cover the needs of the Road Department and County Parks.
One bid was received at the October 18th Fiscal Court meeting for Sheriff’s Office vehicles. In his request for two Durango’s and one Charger, Byars was concerned about space for equipment and areas where the ground clearance of the Durango would be better than a Charger, not knowing how the Charger’s would hold up in those situations.
Commissioner Bob Gold made the motion to purchase the two Durangos and one Charger, seconded by Commissioner Johnny Bowlin. Following a discussion on price and what the county could save, it was decided that the purchase of three Charger’s would save the county approximately $15,000 of the budgeted $130,000 to purchase the vehicles.
A vote was held for two Durangos and one Charger which fell in a tie, a new motion was made by Commissioner Rick Cocke and seconded by Bob Gold to purchase three chargers which was approved.
Sanitation District #2
Chad McCann with Rivercrest Engineering, was asked to address what needs to be done at Sanitation District #2 as well as things that need to be addressed at Sanitation District #1. Judge/Executive Kevin Neal presented a video of Sanitation District #2 of tank two which showed debris that is in the plant compromising the operation, not working at the level it needs to be working due to equipment not maintained properly.
McCann presented a Capital Improvement Projects sheet to show what is needed and what the projected cost would be following an initial review and evaluation of the districts.
The projects were broken up into scope of work and potential funding sources. Connecting Marshall County High School and Christian Fellowship School to Sanitation District #2 would increase much-needed revenue the district needs.
“The biggest challenge is, obviously you guys are looking at a very big number”, said McCann. “When you look at it as a total, you’re looking at over $7 million for improvements that are necessary, in our opinion, in the district. Obviously those can be prioritized.”
McCann addressed each line item as to what is needed and what could wait. Neal said the most pressing issue is getting Sanitation District #2 into compliance then addressed which items are of utmost importance starting with line item #8 with the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SESS) and Rehabilitation, going on to identify line items 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 7 and under Sanitation District #1, line items 1 and 3 (see chart below).
These projects total over $4.6 million but expected school contributions and money that Friends of Chestnut Creek has secured with restrictions, the total of these phases with these contributions could be closer to approximately $2.2 million. The court approved moving forward with the areas identified as priorities.
Sheriff’s Office Policy and Procedures
Sheriff Kevin Byars told the court that all employees have been trained on the new policy, with the exception of one employee that has been off for medical reasons. Every employee has the new manual on a thumb drive with one supplied to the Fiscal Court.
Holiday Schedule
The court approved the Fiscal Court holiday schedule for the 2017 calendar year.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 16, 2017
Tater Day – Monday, April 3, 2017
Good Friday (half day) – Friday, April 14, 2017
Memorial Day – Monday, May 29, 2017
Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Labor Day – Monday, September 4, 2017
Veteran’s Day – Friday, November 10, 2017
Thanksgiving – Thursday & Friday, November 23-24, 2017
Christmas – Friday & Monday, December 22 & 25, 2017
New Year’s – Friday, December 29 & Monday, January 1, 2018
Barnes Grocery
At the last Fiscal Court meeting on October 18th, a discussion was held about the Barnes Grocery building and property. The conclusion was to tear down the grocery and give the property to the Refuse Department so they can expand the area that contains their green boxes. The court approved this and upon removal, the Barnes Grocery sign will be given to the Barnes family at their request.
NEW BUSINESS
Bid Advertisement
The court approved the advertisement for bid for a 4-wheel drive 1 ton truck for the road department.
Nuisance Board
The court approved to reimburse the Nuisance Board member training expenses.
New Harmony Road
A culvert bridge was put in on New Harmony Road and a memorandum of agreement between the Fiscal Court and one property owner was approved for signing.
Road Department
A Call Out Policy has been drawn up for Road Department to cover employees and their earnings during emergency road situations and what their overtime pay will be and was approved by the court.
Rural Secondary Program Funds
An agreement and resolution to the terms and conditions for the funds for resurfacing of various county roads in the amount of $253,873 was approved by the court.
The next meeting of the Fiscal Court will be Tuesday, November 15, 2016.